Lawyer Chetam Thierry Nwala has accused President Bola Tinubu of deliberately working to weaken Rivers State because he sees it as a rival to Lagos.
Nwala, a native of Rivers, made these claims during an interview with ARISE NEWS, saying the President’s actions show clear hostility toward the state.
According to Nwala, the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers on March 18, 2025, and the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok Ete-Ibas as state administrator, were politically motivated.
He believes these moves were not based on genuine security concerns but aimed at destabilising the state’s economy and governance.
He blamed President Tinubu for the crisis, saying,
“The economy of Rivers has been destroyed, and I hold the President responsible. It’s clear he has something against the people of Rivers State.”
Nwala questioned the justification for the emergency declaration, noting that even a reported bomb blast used as a reason was not severe, and the affected company quickly resumed operations.
He said the government’s explanation doesn’t hold up and that the decision violates the will of the people and the Nigerian Constitution.
He further suggested that the real reason behind the federal government’s actions is economic competition between Lagos, which Tinubu has strong ties to, and Rivers.
Nwala said it appears Tinubu wants Lagos to thrive at the expense of Rivers, warning that this approach is harmful and unjust.
Calling for a return to democratic rule in the state, Nwala urged that control be returned to elected leaders.
“We are fighting for the soul of Rivers State,” he said.
“The President’s actions have scared off investors and worsened the economic situation. All we ask is for democracy to be restored, nothing more, nothing less.”
